ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Lincoln University football team generated 395 yards of total offense and scored twice in the fourth quarter in a 42–32 loss to Virginia State University on Saturday in the Frederick Douglass Classic.
Inside the Numbers
The Lions showcased a balanced offensive attack, finishing with 237 passing yards and 158 rushing yards. Lincoln recorded 25 first downs, converted nine of 17 third-down opportunities and scored on all five trips inside the red zone.
Jayden Triplett (Elkton, MD/Elkton HS) added 121 passing yards and a rushing score. Lincoln controlled possession for 36:45 and completed the game without a turnover. Dexter Baptisin led the ground game with 120 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.
Kyrie Tyson (Elkton, MD/Elkton HS) paced the receiving corps with 11 catches for 130 yards, while
Zamir Newsuan (Philadelphia, PA) added four receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns.
How it Happened
Lincoln struck first when
Armando Avril (Hillside, NJ) connected on a 35-yard field goal midway through the opening quarter. After Virginia State answered with a touchdown, the Lions put together a 16-play, 93-yard drive capped by
Jayden Triplett's (Elkton, MD/Elkton HS) one-yard touchdown run to take a 9–7 lead early in the second quarter.
The Trojans moved ahead, but Lincoln responded before halftime. Avril drilled a 42-yard field goal, and Mikal Davis found Newsuan for a 31-yard touchdown with 18 seconds remaining, bringing the Lions within 21–19 at the break.
Virginia State added two touchdowns in the third quarter, but Lincoln continued to battle. Baptisin finished an 11-play, 64-yard drive with a seven-yard touchdown run early in the fourth. Following a
Virginia State kickoff return for a touchdown, Davis connected with Newsuan again, this time from 10 yards out with 3:52 remaining.
Up Next
The Lions return to action Saturday, October 10, traveling to Elizabeth City State University for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
